Andaman Seaside Holiday

Package Code: SNKTWD-211
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered: Port Blair - Havelock - Neil Island - Port Blair
Port Blair
Port Blair

Port Blair on South Andaman Island is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an Indian territory in the Bay of Bengal. Its seafront Cellular Jail, completed in 1906, hints at its past as a British penal colony and is now a memorial to Indian independence activists. Inland, the Samudrika Marine Museum showcases local marine life. The Anthropological Museum focuses on the islands’ indigenous tribes.

Havelock Island
Havelock Island

Havelock Island is a pristine natural paradise with white beaches, clear blue waters, lush forests, abundant coral reefs and a colorful marine life. With an area of ??113 square kilometers, Havelock is one of the most populous islands in the Andaman Group and is 39 km northeast of Port Blair. The island has three main beaches that are popular tourist stops - Radhanagar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, and Elephant Beach.

Neil Island
Neil Island

Neil Island is place for Island hopping close to Port Blair. Serene Beaches of Bharatpur, Laxmanpur and Sitapur in Neil Island are like picture postcards. Daily speedboat services are available for Neils Island from Port Blair's Phoenix bay Harbour.

Day 1: Arrival - Port Blair - Cellular Jail - Light & Sound Show

Arrival to Port Blair. Our representative will meet and assist you at the Veer Savarkar Airport. Board the waiting vehicles, drive to your hotel and check in. + Cellular jail followed by light and sound show. The Cellular Jail has a pride of place in India’s freedom struggle. Many a stalwart were imprisoned here. Declared a national memorial, this three storey prison constructed by Britishers in 1906, is a pilgrimage destination for freedom fighters. This colossal edifice has mutely witnessed the most treacherous of inhumane atrocities borne by the convicts, who were mostly freedom fighters. The day draws to a gentle close with the Sound and Light Show at the historic Cellular Jail which gives you a vivid experience of its strong association with the freedom fighters and their struggle for independence. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 2: Port Blair - Havelock - Radhanagar Beach

Today after breakfast you will transfer to Jetty. Head to Havelock Island on board Cruise connecting the two islands! Havelock, about 54 kilometers northeast of Portblair, the Island is a hidden jewel. Proceed for Radhanagar Beach (or Beach No. 7) is the jewel in the crown of Havelock Island. Located on the western side of the island, it stands away from the cluster. The glorious white sand beach shot to global fame when Time magazine (in 2004) rated it as the finest in Asia. With lush tropical forest rising on a hill to one side, the draw of this white sand beach has steadily grown in the legion of avid beach buffs. The popularity of this beach has triggered cruises from across the Andaman Sea. Travelers cruise over a few days from Thailand to experience the magic of this beach in particular. A wide beach that runs over a few kilometers, Radhanagar is simply stunning. It lends itself to a variety of activities. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 3: Havelock - Kalapathar Beach

Morning after breakfast visit to Kala Pathar beach, Famous for its turquoise blue waters, this beach offer snorkelers, palm, blue shallow water and are the perfect spot for swimming. Return back to hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 4: Havelock to Neil Island Visit Laxmanpur and Bharatpura Beach

Morning after breakfast exiting expedition for Neil Islands. On arrival meeting and assistance at Neil Island jetty thereafter leave by surface to Resort. proceed to Bharatpura beach and Laxmanpur beach natural bridge Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 5: Neil Island - Port Blair - Day At Leisure

Day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6: Port Blair - North bay (Corel Island) - Ross island (Wed - Closed)

Today after breakfast embark on a day long three island cruise. One of the most sought-after activities. It covers a panorama of seven harbors that include the North Bay and Ross island. It leaves a lasting impression. Visit Ross Island. Once the administrative headquarters of the British and capital of these Islands, the island is now under the Indian Navy. It stands now as a ruin of the bygone days with the old structures almost in debris. There is a small museum named Smritika, it holds photographs and the other antiques of the Britishers relevant to these islands. The island is famous for friendly flocks of Deer and lush green walking trails. North Bay, the water lovers may enjoy snorkeling or take a glass bottom boat ride (Optional on direct payment) in its shallow waters with a chance to see corals up close. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 7: Port Blair - Baratang Island

Packed breakfast Early morning 3:30am departure to Baratang Island by road (110Kms) which holds the nature’s best treasures gifted to the Islands. Limestone caves a must see point for nature lovers &leisure travellers alike. The Road journey from Port Blair to Baratang involves crossing through creeks and dense equatorial forest. This involves a creek journey in small boats. After getting down from the boat, trek through a small village to reach the caves. Return to Port Blair . Stay Overnight in Port Blair Day 8: Port Blair- Mount Herriet Today after breakfast Proceed to mount Herriet for little trek, a good place for trek and ohotoshoot. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 8: Departure from Port Blair

Drop to Airport / Harbour for Return journey with a wonderful holiday memories.

SeaShell Marine Hill, Port Blair  

Located on top of Marine Hill, our resort provides great views of the sea and the city of Port Blair. Close to the Aberdeen bazaar, the bus-station, Cellular jail and the water sports complex, SeaShell-Port Blair is a great place to explore the city. Spacious well-equipped rooms and our incredible staff will ensure your stay here is memorable. Amaya – our roof top lounge and a live music venue, is popular among the locals and the open air ambiance and the views of the sea is bound to make evenings sparkle.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Havelock Island  

Occupying 46 acres on the famed Radhanagar Beach at Havelock Island, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans is a luxurious gateway to a globally significant biodiversity hotspot in the Bay of Bengal. Our luxury beach resort in Andaman is dotted with 54 modern luxury Villas on stilts under a canopy of Coconut and Palmyra trees; a contemporary haven built without cutting off a single tree. Guests can rest over the massive buttresses of an Andaman Padauk tree, ruminate by the water lily pond after a lavish massage or hit the treadmill at the fitness centre built around a majestic Mahua tree that soars up one level to the Olympic-length infinity swimming pool. The modish, 1580 sq. ft. plus residences in sustainable plantation timber are inspired by the dwellings of the Jarawa tribe.

See Hotel
SeaShell Neil Island, Neil Island  

Our resort provides you the delicate combination of lush greenery and a serene beach. Our well-appointed rooms with modern amenities and an enthusiastic and dedicated team ensure your comfort levels are impeccable and that you cared for. An all-day dining Resto-Bar dishes our seafood delicacies and an assortment of beverages. Our splendid property offers you a range of things to choose from as you relax in peace! From sitting on a swing watching and listening to the waves to reading a book by the beach, catching a crab, swimming in the ocean, or just relax in the hammock by your room.

Itinerary Route

India

Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!

 

BANKING AND CURRENCY

Currency

The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted. 

The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.

 

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).

Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.

A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals. 

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted. 

Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.

 

TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND

India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.

India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai. 

Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.

In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.

While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).

 

FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE

Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.

Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.

Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.

Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.

While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.

10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.

 

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.

 

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS

Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.

What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.

When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.

 

ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. 

Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.